CHRIS WADDLE has warned Newcastle United not to take Bordeaux too lightly – because Francis Gillot’s side will be aiming to go all of the way in the Europa League this season.

CHRIS WADDLE has warned Newcastle United not to take Bordeaux too lightly – because Francis Gillot’s side will be aiming to go all of the way in the Europa League this season.

Bordeaux are unbeaten in Ligue 1 and Waddle feels they will field a “strong side” against the Magpies after touching down on Tyneside from south-western France this afternoon.

Waddle – who was the darling of the terraces during his days in Ligue 1 with Bordeaux’s rivals Marseille – knows a thing or two about European competition after coming so close with the Velodrome side – reaching the European Cup final in 1991 against Red Star Belgrade before losing on penalties.

And he knows that Bordeaux will be keen to show their mettle at St James’ Park tomorrow night.

Discussing the challenge that lies in wait for Alan Pardew’s side, Waddle, an expert on French football, told the Chronicle in an exclusive interview: “They beat Brugge comfortably in their last group game and proved they are a strong side.

“And they won’t mess about on Thursday night – they will play their best team and try to win.

“Over the last 10 or 20 years they’ve been in Europe so much they know the score.

“They’ll look to qualify as quickly as they can so this will be a hard game.”

Bordeaux were the headline-makers in Group D after smashing Brugge in their opening game.

That emphatic win came on the same night that United were held to a 0-0 stalemate on scorching evening in Madeira against group minnows Maritimo.

Now ESPN analyst Waddle feels the stakes will be raised tomorrow night and significantly so.

The former England and Newcastle star added: “I watched Newcastle’s last game against Maritimo and they did all right.

“They will probably have to consider making more changes for the Bordeaux game.

“Last time they didn’t start well and Maritimo had a couple of good chances.

“Newcastle weren’t in full control of the game.”

Pardew will continue to pick his team accordingly and although there has been much discussion about playing weakened teams in the competition, the Toon boss has picked Tim Krul, Fabricio Coloccini, Vurnon Anita, Papiss Cisse and Jonas Gutierrez so far. He has also handed Adam Campbell, Romain Amalfitano and James Tavernier opportunities too.

Waddle appreciates the dilemma facing top-flight squads in Europe.

The former sausage factory worker, who sprang to fame as a raw non-league player with Tow Law, said: “The Europa League can be looked on as a hindrance.

“But it’s the chance to give your young players a chance.

“The manager will have other priorities. This will be a game when Newcastle can use their squad. It will give the likes of Dan Gosling and Shola Ameobi a chance.

“So it is a good experience for them all round.”

Should Newcastle be able to glean six points from the next two matches it would put them in the driving seat in Group D.

Ideally, early qualification would boost the black-and-whites and allow them to rest players in the final couple of games.

Waddle, though, is wary of the threat of both Brugge and Maritimo.

He said: “You look at the group and you would think Maritimo and Brugge would struggle. Yet I wouldn’t write them off.

“If Newcastle can get through the group sooner rather than later they can rest players.”

First, Waddle feels that Bordeaux will be tough nuts to crack.

He said: “Bordeaux will be patient and they will defend well.

“Technically they will be good.

“They’ll look after the ball when they have it though and they won’t get frustrated.”

Newcastle have made a steady but unspectacular start to the new season and have crashed out of the Capital One Cup to Manchester United.

So what – in the view of Waddle – would be classed as a success?

The ex-Spurs man said: “You want to finish as high as you and the top six to top 10 would still be a good season for Newcastle.

“The Europa League is there to win if you take it seriously.

“But it is about priorities and the money situation.

“It’s about the right results and the further you get the more it fits in with your priorities.

“I’m sure that will up there along with the FA Cup for Pardew.”

Chris Waddle was speaking ahead of ESPN’s live and exclusive coverage of Newcastle United v Bordeaux in the Europa League at 8pm on Thursday, October 4. Visit www.espn.co.uk/tv for details